When one thinks of Kenya, one usually doesn’t picture master-level runners. But the concept of competitive older-age runners is alive and well in East Africa. According to an article in the Daily Nation, runners like 75-year-old Mzee John Chepkwony Chepsuge are taking part in races throughout the country. At a recent cross-country race, Chepsuge clocked an impressive 45-minute 12K. Finishing four minutes ahead of him was 60-year-old Julius Lagat.

Lagat, who’s been running since the 1970s, stays fit by riding a bicycle throughout neighboring villages as he looks for chicken to buy and resell. “I was running with Kipchoge [Keino] in those years,” he said. Keino was the gold medalist in the 1,500m event at the 1968 Olympics.

Chepsuge keeps up his fitness by farming and tending to his cows . “I have been running for about 10 years now and I am not ready to quit because it is one way of exercising,” he said.

Both runners note that running has helped them stay healthy and avoid illness.

Duncan Larkin

Duncan Larkin is a freelance journalist and author who’s been covering the sport of running for over a decade. He’s run 2:32 in the marathon and won the Himalayan 100-Mile Stage Race in 2007. He wrote the book RUN SIMPLE, and coaches runners of all abilities.
You can learn more about him here: http://roadsmillslaps.tumblr.com/about